Transportation Options

Biking, walking and rolling, carpooling, transit, and passenger rail offer low- and no-carbon transportation options, which are key to our emission reduction goals.

Transportation options create opportunities for Oregonians to use active modes of transportation on Oregon’s system. Especially ones that emit less greenhouse gas emissions like biking, walking, rolling, scooters, carpooling, public transit, and passenger rail.

The Oregon Department of Transportation works with local jurisdictions to support these opportunities through projects, funding and investments, and public education and outreach. ODOT funds and builds many projects, and provides funding to local agencies and jurisdictions to create options in and between their communities. ODOT also works with local communities to educate Oregonians about travel options near them, and their benefits.

The outcome of more options is more opportunities for people to choose a low emission travel option, rather than driving alone. This shift will have several benefits:

• Reduced greenhouse gas emissions from transportation.

• Safer, quieter streets.

• Improved physical and mental health of people who walk, bike or roll to get around.

• Less money spent on car payments, insurance premiums, and repair bills.

Many people rely on different options to get around, and not every Oregonian owns or has access to a car. State and local investments in transportation options can improve folks’ experience with modes they rely on every day.

All transportation modes must be easy to access and equitable for all Oregonians. Options can’t be limited to urban areas, either; people in rural areas of the state also need accessible and reliable ways to make trips without driving alone. Visitors to our state can also make different transportation choices if they are aware of seamless non-driving options from the airport, around town, and across the state.

A note on air travel: while Oregon doesn’t have goals or metrics for air travel yet, airplanes produce a significant amount of greenhouse gas emissions; over 10% of Oregon’s emissions when counting both passenger and freight flights. State agencies will work with our partners across the state to advance ways to reduce emissions in air travel.